Island Korcula

Things to do on Island Korcula

Many gentle coves, warm sea, the sun, healthy Mediterranean cuisine and hospitality of the hosts have given rise that Island Korcula becomes interesting tourist destinations. To the Island Korcula, you can be reached by catamaran or ferry from Split, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik. Because of the dense forests of oak and cypress trees, this island are still Greeks called Black Korcula (Korkyra Melainia).

Korcula is considered as the pearl of the southern Dalmatia and offers to its visitor picturesque walled Old Town of Korcula, magnificent coastal panoramas, dreamlike fishing villages and idyllic coves.

According to legend, as well as some medieval written records, the Island Korcula is the birthplace of the famous explorer – Marco Polo. All those who visit the Island Korcula can see the house of Marco Polo, which is located north of the Cathedral of St Mark in the very centre of the Old Town Korcula.

What to see on Island Korcula

Dubrovnik has a twin called Korcula (Little Dubrovnik). Korcula offers the same medieval charm that Dubrovnik has. There are narrow streets, old stairways, old churches, mighty walls, romantic small restaurants and red roofs.

Old Town Korcula

Old Town Korcula was built on a small peninsula protruding into Peljesac Channel. Surrounded by the towers and walls, which, along with the geographical location strategically emphasize the role of the town of Korcula, which is observed from a distance looks like a castle fortress. The medieval town of Korcula is in the form of a fish bone and has been preserved till today. Korcula is finest examples of residential architecture which were created in the 15th and 16th centuries in typical Gothic-Renaissance style.

Museum of Marco Polo

Take a moment to visit the Museum of Marco Polo. While there are so many places to visit do not miss this real heritage experience.

Cathedral of St Mark

The most beautiful building is the Cathedral of St Mark.

Bishop’s Palace

You can also visit the Bishop’s Palace with its Abbatial Treasury of St Mark, collection of Croatian and Italian Renaissance artists, manuscripts, books and ceremonial clothes.

Church of St Peter

See the small Church of St Peter, the oldest preserved church from the 11th century, and Church of Our Lady on the western side of the square. Built in 1483, it’s a major Renaissance construction.

The Town Museum

The Town Museum is in the palace Gabrielis, one of Korcula’s most beautiful romantic palaces in 16th century Renaissance style. You can also see palaces Arneri and Ismaelis, and old city walls and towers that protected the town against invaders in 1571.

Moreska

One of the particularities of Korcula, at which it is recognizable in the world today, is Moreska in which white and black king, Osman and Moro, fight for love girls. Korculan’s played that war dance for centuries. Moreska played in numerous cities in the Mediterranean, and today only in Korcula, where played over 500 years.

Vela Spilja or Great Cave

Vela Luka may not have the magic of Korcula Town, on the other side of Korcula Island, but it’s not without its appeal. Vela Luka’s most interesting sight is Vela Spilja or Great Cave. Vela Spilja is situated above the town at the North-East side 100 meters above sea level in the region of Pinski rat.

Church of St Joseph

Among the monuments worth mentioning are: parish Church of St Joseph which is a classical building finished in 1848 and the bell tower from 1871, the Chapel of St Vincent, from the year 1589.

Blato

Blato got its name from its neighbouring field which flooded on regular basis, until 1911. Blato field was occasionally drained. This created a lake that dried up during summer. The town itself is one of the oldest settlements on the island of Korcula. Blato boasts a charming 14th century church “Our Lady of the Field” (Church of Our Lady) located on the Blato Field.

What to do on Island Korcula

Sailing

Early in the summer period (May-July) is prime time for sailing on the Adriatic islands (since mid-summer prevailing peaceful conditions), and the numerous coves and bays in these waters attract sailing enthusiasts from all over Europe.

Scuba Diving

Diving Korcula’s aquatorium – experience an unforgettable experience, explore the hidden depths of the sea and with a professional diving teams dive into the beautiful blue sea.

Kayaking

Kayak adventure – ride starts from the western part of the town of Korcula and continues with the Franciscan monastery of St Nicholas in the direction of the old city walls. There, with the surface of the sea, you can enjoy a beautiful view.

Cycling

Enjoy in the beauty of island with bicycle. The island has 20 of bike trails.

Wine Tour

Wine tour on the island of Korcula – the “black island – white wine” (wine tasting in wineries in Smokvica, Cara and Lumbarda). Apart from the rich cultural and historical heritage, is also known as the home of the indigenous white grape varieties. In the central part of the island (Smokvica and Cara) the famous sort of wine are Posip and Rukatac and on the eastern part of the island in Lumbarda the most famous sort of wine is Grk.